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OK, this is only probably of interest to those who own, or have considered, the UK-made Mambo amp. As you know, there are made with a birch ply cabinet - a sensible choice for a gigging amp that can get knocked about. I had the opportunity to persuade Jon Shaw, who is also a friend, to make a prototype solid mahogany cabinet version, which arrived today. He was initially sceptical, but I think is pleased with the result.
The solid wood cabinet is beautiful, with a wax finish instead of the usual sanded-down poly varnish.For a home player who needs it to fit into room furnishings, it's ideal... That's not me, though; I use mambos for gigging a couple of times a week, sometimes more - so I'll need to see how this lovely solid wood cab stands up to being gigged around. Some of you might remember the 80s Petersen amps, which also had mahog cabinets, and there have been many US-made hardwood amps over the years, so the idea is not new. So, it's maybe not as practical as birch ply, but it looks great. I don't know if this will be a production option, but I hope it will, as I think there would be a demand, depending of course on the up-charge for making it
This one also has the new 'Fender' circuit option, instead of the old 'brite' position. What an improvement.
Of course, it doesn't sound like a fender amp, even an 8" Champ; it couldn't, being closed back and with a smaller cabinet, not to mention being a JFet amp instead of using valves/ tubes. But what it does sound like
is a great SS amp with a quality eq pedal in front of it, set to 'AB763' ( i.e. blackface). This will simply save any user who prefers the scooped, AB763 Fender sound from carrying around a barb-eq or similar pedal. Personally, I prefer the fatter baxandall eq sound, so will stay with that - but it is a great and useful addition
to the preamp.
If you're still reading, a couple of snaps. It deserves better pix, but you'll get the idea. Sorry about the carpet!
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11-23-2015 12:29 PM
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Wow Chris, incredible!! Jon is doing me one of his Fender pedals. One day I am getting a Mambo 8 for sure, as my "always in the car amp". Enjoy the new amp.
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Nice!
I've asked this before so excuse me if you've answered it already, but you seem best positioned to answer: what about Tolex -- has Jon Shaw made any like that? I know it won't look half as classy, but it will be more gig-worthy.
Originally Posted by Franz 1997
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good move Chris
thats really nice , is that an 8" ?
the fender tone cct switch is a great idea too
Jack Z will be pleased no doubt !
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BDLH, I once asked Jon about tolex, and his reply was, er, very negative. I'm not sure why.
He's a gigging player himself, so will understand that it's very practical. Especially black!
Jem, yes it's an 8". I've been though all the mambo amps, but after borrowing the first prototype plywood 8" amp for a few months before getting this one, I like the sound best. I'm a big polytone baby brute fan, which is also an 8" amp. And it's an over-the shoulder carry. No headroom issue with any of them, for my gigs.
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Jorge, you could always borrow the original proto 8 !!- I'll be returning it now. Jon's fender pedals are excellent. Originally Posted by jorgemg1984
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Well Chris I would love to borrow it but.. I would have to return it eventually. I want one permanently but money is tight right now. One day for sure..
Ca't wait for the eq pedal to arrive, should be brilliant as all Jon's work is.
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how does the Fender option work?
ie what are the controls for it?
I assume you can switch from one eq to the next with a switch and then the existing eq knobs work different?
(man, mambo needs to update their website)
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Yes, you simply flip a switch to get the deep mid-scoop of the fender circuit. With that switched in, the B M and T controls appear to have a very different effect, although they are still just the one set of controls.
I think in fairness to Jon Shaw, he has only just started sending out these new 'Fender option' models, so may not have had time to update anything. He spends all day building them...
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I like that mahogany look a lot. As for wear and tear, IMHO, mahogany is a wood species which ages and patinates very gracefully. And with a wax finish instead of laquer, it can be repolished again and again.
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Looks great Chris. Do you know if the older models can be retrofitted to have the fender circuit instead of the bright switch? I love the mambo but I find the bright switch pretty useless.
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Good question Alain. I don't, but have discussed possible ways of retrofitting it. As of now, I think it would need a new preamp board, and a eq pedal in front might be cheaper. But Jon might be open to the idea of upgrading the board; why not ask him? I agree, the old 'bright ' position didn't work for me either, but I prefer the middle or 'deep' position anyway.
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Love the mahogany, don't care for the stock plywood at all.
How hard would it be to recover the stock cabinet in tolex or better yet, tweed?
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i'm sure it's minimal, but does the mahogony option add weight?
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Mahogany is a fine furniture wood , but could scratch and splinter. Having said that the SAF in our living room would be stellar! Mahogany and teak are also tough enough for boat decks and exteriors.
Last edited by boatheelmusic; 11-23-2015 at 07:44 PM.
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Doesn't feel like it- bit it's only about 15lb anyway. What the solid wood might well add is a bit of cabinet resonance and 'liveliness', which I like. Originally Posted by tucson matt
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Where's that thread about how all solid state amps are ugly.....
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Very very nice mahogany chassis! I wish I could "upgrade" to this. I once had a Peterson and it was just so nice to look at! The Mambo is a better amp overall though. BTW, looking at the pics: how is the front panel fixed to the chassis? Not screws?
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if you mean the black metal grille, it is attached to 4 small magnets..
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Well if that's not the dog's bollocks, I don't know what is.
p.s. for those wondering about the durability of the regular birch ply, I've had my Mambo 8 for 3 years and it still looks great.
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I thought we all already agreed that Groyniad's L5 was the dog's bollocks?! :-) Originally Posted by coolvinny
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Thats what I meant. Oh a nice solution instead of screws. Originally Posted by Franz 1997
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